Preview - GB Women one game away from EuroBasket 2019 Qualification

For GB, Wednesday's final Group D game against Portugal brings with it a simple proposition for EuroBasket 2019 qualification. Win, and you're in.

Any victory against Portugal will guarantee GB top spot and a place in Latvia & Serbia next year. Group D's 2nd placed side Greece host 3rd placed Israel and a loss for Greece would mean that GB will top the table regardless of Wednesday's result at the National Basketball Performance Centre. Despite how significant a win would be for Coach Buceta's side, the GB camp is simply focusing on process over result.

"Obviously we all know the importance of this game but we just need to focus on ourselves and playing our brand of basketball," said veteran Jo Leedham, who enjoyed a team-high 21 points in Saturday's win over Greece. "It's going to be a fight as Portugal are a tough team so we have to make sure we are ready from the tip to play 40 minutes of physical basketball."

Although they prop up the table in Group D, Portugal were able to claim their first win of the campaign on Saturday as they defeated Israel 75-72. Marcia Costa (18p, 2r, 2a, 3s), Maria Correia (16p, 5r, 4a, 2s) and captain Sofia Silva (20p, 13r, 2a) all put in solid performances for their country and will no doubt be in high spirits heading to Manchester. Regardless of their 1-4 record, Portugal are a team that GB refuse to take lightly.

"Despite being top of our group, we know that Wednesday's game vs Portugal will be no small feat as they are a very talented team and have shown great form from their game vs Israel," said GB captain Stef Collins, who is set to receive her 143rd cap tomorrow. "We will prepare for this game as we have the previous five and we'll focus on the things that are in our control which is highlighted in our fighting spirit and togetherness as a team."

One of the highlight's of Saturday's 79-77 victory over Greece was the vocal home crowd as fans from across the country came together to get behind their team. A near capacity showing at the NBPC in Manchester providedsignificantpartisan support, something that CoachBucetafeels will be evident again on Wednesday night. "I am sure our players will be focused on giving their all to win this game, and I'm sure we will again enjoy the great support that we had from our fans last Saturday against Greece. We have worked hard to arrive at this last game against Portugal with the chance of achieving the goal of finishing first and guaranteeing qualification for the final phase of EuroBasket 2019."

Details

Date:Wednesday 21 NovemberTip:7:00pmOpponent:PortugalHow to follow: Coverage and commentary will be available throughout the game on our Twitter feed,@GBbasketball. The game will also be shown live online for free on FIBA's Youtube channel, available HERE.